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Private Property Retrofit Program

Stormwater runoff in a large part of Portland drains into a combined sewer system. As part of the Tabor to the River Program’s integrated approach, Environmental Services works with private property owners to manage stormwater on their properties to help keep runoff out the combined sewers. Environmental Services can help property owners install rain gardens, stormwater planters, swales, ecoroofs, and pervious pavement on sites that meet program criteria.

These facilities collect runoff from roof and paved areas and allow it to soak into the ground instead of flowing into the sewer system. Using natural processes to manage stormwater at its source helps control combined sewer overflows to the Willamette River and reduces the risk of sewers filling to capacity and backing up into basements during heavy rains.

These kinds of stormwater management facilities also reduce sewage treatment costs, replenish groundwater supplies and beautify neighborhoods. The city provides substantial financial and technical assistance with project construction and the facilities remain private property and are privately maintained.

Participation in these projects is completely voluntary. Environmental Services contacts property owners in targeted locations about the opportunity to take part in the program.

Environmental Services recently partnered with 33 home and business owners in southeast Portland to install rain gardens that manage stormwater from their roofs. A big thanks to all these people for working with us for clean rivers!